[K-Women Talk] Itaewon Tragedy, Gender, and Leadership

[Asia Economy] Everyone’s hearts remain unsettled after the Itaewon tragedy. We pray for the souls of the deceased and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families enduring pain through this space. We also hope that the survivors recover their physical and mental health as soon as possible.

So far, many people’s feelings have swung between anger and despair due to the irresponsible behavior of high-ranking police officials and the words and actions of senior public officials that go beyond common sense and cannot simply be dismissed as slips of the tongue. In this situation, what brought some comfort was the image of those who did their best even in the horrific circumstances. Citizens who came to enjoy the festival, nearby merchants and part-time workers, soldiers, and foreigners helped each other and did what they could. They prioritized helping pregnant women and children and worked together to rescue those who could have become victims. One woman controlled the crowd flow like a police officer, and a male nurse from Pakistan visiting Korea rolled up his sleeves and performed CPR. Although we do not yet know the full story of that time and place, we bow our heads to them. We hope they too can overcome their trauma and find peace.

What must be done now is for the state to regain the trust of its people. The government is operating the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, the police have established a special investigation unit investigating related police, fire departments, and local governments, and the National Forensic Service has conducted on-site investigations. Reports have been filed with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, and each political party has launched bodies to investigate, uncover the truth, or prepare safety measures and is currently discussing these matters. A request for a national audit has also been submitted to the National Assembly plenary session. However, many people are concerned whether a genuine truth-finding investigation is possible or if the tragedy will end up as a political conflict. To dispel these concerns, it is necessary to transparently and credibly reveal the causes of the tragedy in a way that the bereaved families, survivors, and the majority of the public can accept, even if it takes time. Whether the investigation concludes or is still ongoing, a comprehensive truth-finding process and framework that investigates and verifies every raised suspicion without leaving a single point unaddressed are needed. Without such a process, various measures that the government plans to prepare after discussions with some experts will be nothing but a house of cards. Moreover, if the truth-finding process appears to reflect political or factional interests, it should be noted that this could sow the seeds of another long-term social conflict. We must not repeat the prolonged suffering of victims’ families seen in past investigations and outcomes of major social tragedies.

Additionally, diversity, which reflects our community, must be incorporated at every stage?from truth investigation and victim support to additional safety measures. It is already well known domestically and internationally that survival rates for children, the elderly, and women are lower when disasters occur. This time, there were also many foreign victims. However, the “Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management” and its basic plan define vulnerable groups mainly as children, the elderly, and the disabled, viewing them only as recipients of supplies, environmental support, or education. Consideration of various vulnerable groups must be integrated into all processes, including rescue support and aftercare. First, the diverse situations of victims and survivors should be carefully examined from the investigation stage, and legal amendments also seem necessary.

Leadership exerts its power based on trust, and trust comes from transparency and accountability. The restoration of national trust lost due to this tragedy depends on how leaders view their own responsibilities. Citizens have fulfilled their duties. Although belated, it is now time for leaders to show that they take responsibility for the outcomes.

Cha In-soon, Adjunct Professor, National Assembly Legislative Research Institute

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